Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco
Sarah Balagey is an experienced educator and program manager specializing in early childhood education and community engagement. Since January 2013, Sarah has served as the Engagement Program Manager at Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco, where responsibilities include collaborating with clergy to create impactful Jewish youth programs and working with community organizers on local projects. Sarah's roles also encompass curriculum development and mentorship for teachers, fostering continuous growth and innovation in educational practices. As an Independent Educational Consultant with Inquiry Club SF, Sarah develops instructional materials and training plans focused on inquiry and social justice. Additionally, Sarah founded Inquiry Club SF, an outdoor enrichment program that emphasizes STEAM for young children. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing as well as a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education from San Francisco State University.
Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco
Congregation Emanu-El is dedicated to advancing our members' lifelong involvement in Judaism, engaging them in communal prayer (avodah), the study of sacred texts (Torah), and the performance of compassionate deeds (g'milut hasadim). When intrepid Jews journeyed around the Horn or overland in 1848 as part of the migration west, little did they imagine that they would be helping to found one of the most dynamic Jewish communities in America. San Francisco—the city that sparked the imagination of a nation—is the home of Northern California's landmark temple, Congregation Emanu-El. Officially established in 1850, our congregation has over 2,100 households, many of whom have been involved with the congregation since its founding. We are the oldest congregation west of the Mississippi.